Friday 9/25/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 14 CFL games

Calgary (9-3) @ Winnipeg (4-8)-- Stampeders are 12-1 in last 13 games with Winnipeg, winning both meetings this year, 26-25 (-7.6) at home in Week 4, then 36-8 (-5) in Winnipeg four weeks ago. Four of last five series games stayed under the total. Calgary won five of last six visits here; they're 6-1 in last seven games overall, but they're 1-3 as road favorites this year, with only cover here. Winnipeg lost five of last six games, with four of five losses by 18+ points; eight of its last ten games stayed under total, as have three of last four Calgary games. Bombers are 1-2 as home underdogs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Tech Trends - Week 4
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, Sept. 25

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

BOISE STATE at VIRGINIA
Mike London now on 8-2-1 run last 11 as dog. Cavs also 8-2 vs. spread last 10 at Charlottesville and are 5-1-1 last seven vs. line against non-ACC.

Virginia, based on team trends.


STANFORD at OREGON STATE
Beavs 3-12 vs. line since LY Stanford 5-0 SU, 4-1 vs. line last five vs. OSU. Beavs 1-6 as dog since LY, though Andersen 9-2 last 11 as dog dating to 2011 with Utags. Shaw was 8-1 as visiting chalk his first two years (2011-12) but has sagged to 3-7 in role since. Tree has covered 3 of last 4 after facing SC.

Stanford, based on team and series trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Maywood Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 9 - Post: 10:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$7100 - FILLIES & MARES, NON-WINNERS OF $8,000 LAST 5 STARTS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 PARTY HANGOVER 5/2


# 7 FEEL LIKE DANCING 9/2


# 3 INCREDIBLE FILLY 15/1


PARTY HANGOVER is the clear stand out wager in the eyes of the panel of smart guys. Has a strong shot today, if she can race to her back class. Should be considered here if only for the great speed rating earned in the last contest. Has one of the finest win percentages in the group of horses and may be able to add to those figures right here. FEEL LIKE DANCING - The consortium gives this entrant a very good chance to take this race, class statistics are tops in the group of animals. This nice horse has been making trips to the winner's circle on a routine basis, look for her to make another showing soon. INCREDIBLE FILLY - Has been running solidly lately and her style of running should result in a bang-up performance. Overall statistics look formidable. Can't throw her out of the picture.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Post: 8:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$14000 - FILLIES & MARES, NW $6,000 LAST 5 STARTS OR NW $13,000 LAST 10 STARTS. AE: OPT. CLM. $15,000.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 I GOT TO BOOGIE 3/1


# 6 HAT TRICK HONEY 6/1


# 2 MACHET ROCKET 4/1


The consensus in this race is that I GOT TO BOOGIE is the one to beat. Have to like a contender coming out of the Mohawk Racetrack 5 hole. The win stat is fantastic, way above normal. HAT TRICK HONEY - Drawing the 6 hole at this track has lead to a much better than average win figure. She looks really strong in this race and should find a way to take advantage of favorable pace statistics. MACHET ROCKET - Enters this competition with great TrackMaster class numbers relative to the group of animals - could be worth a shot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Churchill Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 10 - Maiden Special Weight - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $38200 Class Rating: 80

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 11 ABROAD 15/1


# 5 JULERETTE 12/1


# 6 EDELINE 20/1


ABROAD looks to be a respectable contender particularly if the morning line of 15/1 holds. Very good edge in the sire's baby race win rate. First time starters out of this trainer's barn have produced some of the best profits for 1st time starters in this field. JULERETTE - Successful Appeal is a reliable sire when it comes to two-year olds. Successful Appeal has proven to be a profitable sire when it comes to betting on juvenile races.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12100 Class Rating: 73

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 25 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 25 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 SPACE COWBOYS 3/1


# 7 EASY STREET 7/2


# 1 CATCH ME HA HA 5/1


SPACE COWBOYS looks like the bet in here. He has been racing soundly recently while recording solid Speed Figures. Looks competitive to be up on the lead at the first call. Earned a formidable Equibase speed fig in the latest race. Can run another good one in this race. EASY STREET - He has been running soundly and the speed figures are among the best in this group of horses in this race. Wright has a solid 21 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. CATCH ME HA HA - He has recorded quite good figs under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well against this group. Must be considered a contender on earnings per start at the distance/surface alone.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #2 - Post: 3:13pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $8,550 Class Rating: 68

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 MEAN INTENTIONS (ML=5/2)
#7 KENNEDY'S CADET (ML=7/2)


MEAN INTENTIONS - A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a solid contest is a good signal. I seem to always make money betting Rivelli horses on the grass. That barn has a solid win pct for this distance/surface. I like the fact that this colt's last speed fig, 81, is tops in this bunch. Took a big class drop last out, and I think he may have needed it. Rivelli enters him at a similar level today. I'd expect an improved performance. This colt is certainly on the improve with speed ratings of 54, 68, 81 last three out. KENNEDY'S CADET - Looking at today's class figure, this pony is encountering an easier field than last out at Arlington. Nice return on investment for this jockey and handler duo. After the event aboard this animal on September 6th, the jockey is going to know the gelding much better.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 STEALTHY TRAVELER (ML=9/2), #8 RICHIESWILDDREAM (ML=6/1), #1 RUNNING ON ETHEL (ML=6/1),

STEALTHY TRAVELER - This questionable contender hasn't been close to the winner at the finish line lately. Should take this one off your contenders roll call with the lack of zip in that last route race. Difficult to put your dough on the win end of any racer that finishes second and third as frequently as this thoroughbred does. RICHIESWILDDREAM - Ran well to finish third on Sep 4th, but hasn't had nary a morning drill since then. Today's race is 5 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a sprint race in the last couple months. Not the greatest of signs. RUNNING ON ETHEL - Hard to recommend any horse with declining speed ratings of 66/57/46. Finished third in his most recent effort with a mediocre fig. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - MEAN INTENTIONS - Having the highest speed figure at this distance and surface, this mount is the top contender in this sprint race on the grass.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 MEAN INTENTIONS is the play if we get odds of 6/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
6 with 7 with [2,5,8] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belterra Park - Race #2 - Post: 2:17pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $5,400 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 EL ZOHAN (ML=3/1)


EL ZOHAN - Stalking speed. My friends and I like this animal. Ran in the last race against a higher rated class of horses at Belterra Park. The move to a lower level should suit him well.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 DISCREET SONG (ML=5/2), #3 PLEASENT TRIP (ML=7/2), #7 GERARD (ML=5/1),

DISCREET SONG - Today's race is 5 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a sprint clash in the last couple of months. Not the greatest of signs. Hasn't raced or had any morning drills since August 28th. Not much value on this chalk horse. This horse hasn't been in the mix in either of his last couple of races. PLEASENT TRIP - Doesn't appear to be in a satisfactory situation today. GERARD - Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance contests recently. Not likely to see him doing it in today's event either. Don't believe this pony will do much running in today's event. That last speed rating was mediocre when compared with today's class rating.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - EL ZOHAN - Earnings per start is a sign of class. I often play horses like this one that are tops in the group in earnings per start.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #6 EL ZOHAN on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with 3

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #6 - BELMONT PARK - 3:40 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD OPTIONAL CLAIMING $65,000.00 PURSE

#5 POSSILICIUS
#1 DRAMA KING
#4 SAILMATE
#3 BUG JUICE

#5 POSSILICIUS has decent early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in four, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. #1 DRAMA KING, the morning line favorite, is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in four of his last five "adventures," including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" found in his last start, as well as in his 4th race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 9/25 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

5,10/2,5,7/2,4,5/1,2,6 = $54


LATE PICK 4: 8,10/2,4,6,7/3,8,10/3,7 = $48

MEET STATS: 339 - 1076 / $1893.00 BEST BETS: 48 - 96 / $155.30

SPOT PLAYS: 14 - 92 / $154.30

Best Bet: HOLLYROCKER (12th)

Spot Play: LYONS LEVI LEWIS (11th)


Race 1

(5) MASS RAIL was racing well up to the Grassroots semi-final when a break in stride took her out of contention. She gets lots of early speed to stalk here and should be motoring up late if he stays flat. (9) HAPE is another closer with gait issues that figures to do well here if she behaves. (7) POINTE OF INQUIRY is capable of laying down some big fractions and sticking around - see her Aug. 18 mile; beware.

Race 2

(6) VEGAS ROCKS simply went too fast early last week and got picked off late. More careful rating gets the job done here. (5) SPORTSMANSHIP has been solid the past month and is the closer most likely to benefit if the fractions set are too fast for the choice again. (4) AMERICAN ROCK has shown great improvement recently and should be respected in this spot.

Race 3

(4) DAMFOOLRMILLIONAIR has two wins and a close 2nd in three starts in this class and holds a tactical edge in this short field; call to repeat. (6) OLE JACK MAGIC has impressed with his late determination in his past two starts and shouldn't be sold short here. (2) SLIP INTO GLIDE was cutting into the choice's lead late and is another with a shot here.

Race 4

(5) I GOT TO BOOGIE beat better in this class two back and looks solid here vs. mostly win-shy types. (10) NINE LIVES HANOVER took a lot of money last time in a NW 3 class and wasn't beaten far by a filly that would likely dust this group. She's interesting here and may offer a square price starting from out there. (9) ONYOURMARKNATAVA came out of the same race as the one noted above to race well at a big price last week. She never gets bet but pops at huge prices now and then.

Race 5

(5) REGAL SIGHT couldn't keep up to a quick pace in his Grassroots semi-final but did still have some late zip evident. This is a much better spot for him. (2) PANTHEON HANOVER was a good 3rd to a couple of sharp older foes last time now gets to face his own age group; using. (7) SPORTING THE LOOK has the speed to contend here and it wouldn't be a surprise if Jamieson sent this one early.

Race 6

Both (4) ALEXIE MATTOSIE and (5) LIVE AND LEARN went tough first-over trips last week and look sharpest in here. We'll give a slight edge to the former who was pressing faster splits. (2) THORN IN MY SIDE will likely be winging early and is a threat to take these all the way. (10) THEPANINSULAHOTEL was a sharp winner last week and is another to consider for your early pick 4 tickets.

Race 7

(1) WITCH DALI was picked off very late by a razor-sharp foe two back then tried Lady Shadow first-up last time. She stands a good chance to take this group down. (6) MARQUISE DE SARAH looks like she has reached the top of her form cycle and Menary knows how to keep this mare sharp for several starts. She's the main danger. (2) ARTISTIC MADISON got very ambitious and tried the Milton Stakes last week to no avail. She is a tough mare that knows where the wire is. Toss her on your early pick 4 ticket.

Race 8

(8) BAROCKEY raced well off the claim and was only beaten by a sharp mare that went a big trip. She could take this group coast-to-coast. (10) FOOLISH MIND returns from a layoff in a new barn and closed well enough in her qualifier to get our attention. (2) WILDCAT HANNA continues to grab lesser shares which is likely here, too.

Race 9

(4) LIGHTS GO OUT faces several class droppers here which could help her price. She's sharp enough to beat these if she can leave in the top six. (6) CANDYS A VIRGIN just missed making the Milton final and should be heard from here vs. easier. (2) KISS ME OR NOT fell just short a class higher last time and is capable with the right trip.

Race 10

(10) HOPE FOR PADDY takes a class plunge here and post 10 may add to her price. Filion should be able to coax some early speed out of her and get a position from which to attack from; top call. (3) D GS PESQUERO has been live in both starts since returning but couldn't fish out any cover last time and paid the price late; using. (8) SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR has been racing well at Tioga and has blown up the tote on this circuit before. Don't sell this one short, especially if she is being ignored in the wagering.

Race 11

(3) LYONS LEVI LEWIS catches a field of mainly Ontario-sired colts and geldings that may be tuning up for some late season big money sires stakes. It wouldn't be a shock to see him get away with a soft first half here; top call. (7) PHYSICALLYINCLINED has put together a good season so far though lightly-raced. He may need this one but is capable for sure. (2) DRACHAN HANOVER won a similar race last week while tripped out on cover. He could repeat if he can work out a good trip.

Race 12

(3) HOLLYROCKER was impressive in winning a conditioned race in a field likely tougher than what she faces here; repeat likely. (7) ARTIAWITCHTOYOU rode the rail to victory down the lane last week and her tactical speed puts her in those advantageous spots frequently; contender. (5) MISCHIEVOUSGIRLS raced tough last week and should be on the ticket here. (2) LADY SPARTACUS will likely leave more alertly here from the inside which gives her a chance to hit the ticket. (1) LITTLE MISS SPORTY will be passing horses late and can get on the bottom end of vertical exotic wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 9/25 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 191 - 903 / $1,355.00 BEST BETS: 22 - 76 / $101.40

Best Bet: IN COMMANDO (5th)

Spot Play: CLASSY LANE ROSE (8th)


Race 1

(3) DRUNKEN DESIRE A flashed good speed against tougher upstate; he's back at the Hilltop where this gelding was second best on September 5th; very capable of getting the job done. (5) KEYSTONE HONOR put in a nice run for the show spot last time around; contender. (1) COLOSSAL should benefit from the fence; watch out.

Race 2

(7) SOUL TRAIN was facing better company at Saratoga last time out; trotter will need a favorable trip to make tonight a winning one and there's a good chance he could mow them down. (6) SILENCE SON has scored four straight victories; the one to fear. (4) CAN DO moves up in class; goes for a new barn and Brennan is in the bike; beware.

Race 3

(1) GOOD DAY MATE might have been used up in the early stages last out; draws much better and could boss these down the road. (3) CLASSIESISTAR N did not fire in his last two trips but the move to the 3-hole should help his cause; maybe. (2) MY TEMUDJIN N Gelding was sharp to just miss by only a head; not out of this.

Race 4

(1) NATURAL LEDA takes a nice drop in class plus retains the rail slot; all systems go for this pacer to take these to task for all the cash. (3) BJS RAMEAU has hit the board in his last three trips to the post; main danger. (5) DEMOCRACY N fits well in here and could be a exotics factor; watch out.

Race 5

(4) IN COMMANDO Based on his last three starts, this pacer is clearly knocking at the door; has every right to top these with a fine-timed drive from MacDonald. (5) HI HO STEVERINO Very consistent gelding fits well with these and appears to be a big threat in here. (1) BRETT MCFAVRELOUS should flash speed from the rail slot; player.

Race 6

(8) CINAMONY Sharp pacing mare has done nothing wrong; hit the board 14 of 15 tries this year; all systems go for her second straight score. (7) CAROLSIDEAL beat lesser in her latest; could make some serious noise against these. (1) CAROBBEAN PACETRY did not race badly last time out; could have a say in the outcome.

Race 7

(1) K SLATER is much better than his last start; moves to the fence and that might be what he needs to get the job done. (6) DREAMLANDS ART showed good speed in his last trip; very capable. (5) CHEYENNE SEEBER is on the dropdown; took a NW18K on August 15th so beware of this gelding.

Race 8

(2) CLASSY LANE ROSE if she reverts to her September 3rd start, it could be game over for the rest; did take some action in her last start so maybe this gal is live; we shall see. (4) ROCKAROUND SUE put in a good effort at Philly last time around; could be right in the swing of things. (5) HER OWN LAND was the boss in her Maine finale on August 7th; not out of this.

Race 9

Will take a shot with (4) COCOA BEACH to turn it around; 7-year-old miss has back class and with a favorable trip, she could get the job done. (1) KAITLYN RAE was sent by Sears down the road last out for all the glory; dangerous again. (5) HANDSOFFMYCUPCAKE was second best in her last start; could make some serious noise with these.

Race 10

(4) PASS THEM BY N Sharp efforts in his last two starts makes this gelding a major factor to boss these at his best. (2) DONAU led every step of the way in his latest; threat again. (1) CAUTION SIGNS Tough break at the start last time out but is very capable from the rail slot; watch out.

Race 11

(1) SKATES N PLATES takes a drop in class; trotter has tactical speed and could be ready to fire his best against this group; possible. (5) WALLTOCOUSINS rallied strongly to nail down the victory at Philly last week; big player. (2) RED HOT HERBIE gets class relief and gets a cozy post to boot; beware.

Race 12

(6) SELL A BIT N Pacing mare put in a mild bid last time out; did close strongly to just miss by a nose against open foes on September 4th at Saratoga; can mow these down with a perfect trip. (3) TIPITINA took the pocket route home to victory in her last trip to the post; threat again. (1) EYRE HOSTESS N is clearly knocking at the door based on her last three starts; beware.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (3rd) No Time to Kid, 5-1
(8th) Bandit Man, 3-1

Belmont Park (1st) Combat Diver, 7-2
(4th) Animal Appeal, 4-1


Belterra Park (6th) Brown Eyed Jozi, 5-1
(7th) How's Bayou, 6-1


Charles Town (3rd) Amanda's Best, 9-2
(4th) Afleet Steel, 9-2


Churchill Downs (9th) Silverpocketsfull, 4-1
(10th) Kentucky Dancer, 5-1


Emerald Downs (1st) Laughing Out Loud, 7-2
(5th) Victor Victorian, 7-2


Finger Lakes (6th) Fabulous Bear, 4-1
(9th) Starofthemountain, 9-2


Golden Gate Fields (5th) Crystalize, 7-2
(8th) Sierrastorm, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Solfatara, 3-1
(6th) One Summer Nite, 6-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Laddie Boy, 5-1
(7th) Runaway Raj, 4-1


Laurel Park (6th) Summer Morn, 6-1
(9th) Kingston Terrace, 3-1


Los Alamitos (5th) Hidden Zensation, 7-2
(7th) Sharpest One, 8-1


Penn National (2nd) Sequiota, 7-2
(4th) Cable Bet, 6-1


Remington Park (5th) Okie Princess, 8-1
(7th) Doinmysongndance, 7-2


Retama Park (2nd) Hillswick, 10-1
(5th) Pomeroyale, 5-1


Thistledown (4th) Dublin's Diamond, 4-1
(5th) Stone Quality, 3-1


Woodbine (3rd) Ariel's Vision, 8-1
(7th) Natural Blonde, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (93-60) at Cubs (89-63)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 25, 2015 2:20 PM EDT

A party atmosphere has been promised by manager Joe Maddon once the Chicago Cubs clinch a playoff spot, and they can do so Friday at Wrigley Field.

The postseason-bound Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to use this weekend to ensure they won't open the playoffs there.

The Cubs can clinch their first playoff berth since 2008 by ending the Pirates' six-game win streak to start this three-game set in a potential NL wild-card game preview.

Chicago (89-63) will punch its postseason ticket with a victory, and Maddon has said there will be a huge celebration.

"The word party has taken on a negative connotation in our country these days," Maddon said. "It's really bumming me out. There's nothing wrong with having a good party. There's not a thing wrong with it."

The Cubs, winners of seven of nine, hold the NL's second wild card and are 3 1/2 games behind the Pirates in the race for home-field advantage in the one-game matchup.

Pittsburgh (93-60) still has faint Central title hopes, sitting four games behind St. Louis and with three against the Cardinals next week, but are in better position to host the wild-card game for the third straight year. They showed how serious they are taking this series by not using outfielder Gregory Polanco in Thursday's 5-4 win at Colorado and giving Aramis Ramirez a second straight day off.

Polanco has a knee problem and Ramirez a groin injury. Manager Clint Hurdle said he didn't want to use them extensively with four games in the altitude of Denver.

"This is not about rest at all," Hurdle told MLB's official website. "This is about injury prevention or maintenance of a physical area."

Starling Marte went 13 for 20 with seven RBIs in the series sweep. It's the most hits in a four-game set for a Pirates player since Pie Traynor had 13 in 1928.

"Thirteen hits in a four-game series? Very impressive," Hurdle said.

Marte is hitting a team-best .340 in the season series while the Cubs are led by Miguel Montero's .412 average with Anthony Rizzo at .400. Chicago has taken 10 of 16 from Pittsburgh.

The Pirates will start the pitcher who would likely start the wild-card game in Gerrit Cole (17-8, 2.64 ERA), who has posted the most victories by a Pittsburgh pitcher since John Smiley's 20-8 campaign in 1991.

The right-hander is 6-1 with a 3.10 ERA in eight career starts against Chicago, including 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in five on the road. Rizzo is 5 for 14 in this matchup.

Cole is 8-1 with a 2.07 ERA in 11 day starts.

The Cubs will start left-hander Jon Lester (10-11, 3.46), who is 2-1 with a 1.64 ERA in three starts against the Pirates this year with 21 strikeouts in 22 innings. Ramirez is 5 for 11 against him while Andrew McCutchen is 1 for 10.

Lester fired a five-hitter at Pittsburgh for his only complete game of the season in a 2-1 win Sept. 15, hours after Cole allowed four runs in six innings in the opening game of a doubleheader.

Chicago slugger Kris Bryant is two RBIs shy of becoming the first rookie to reach 100 in the NL since Washington's Ryan Zimmerman had 110 in 2006. He has already set the franchise rookie record with 26 homers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (57-96) at Nationals (78-74)

Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 25, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Jordan Zimmermann hasn't lost in his last seven starts, and Jerad Eickhoff hasn't won in his last five. Who's been the better pitcher recently isn't quite as black and white.

The Washington Nationals veteran takes on the Philadelphia Phillies rookie Friday night as the clubs open a three-game series at Nationals Park.

Zimmermann (13-8, 3.49 ERA) is 5-0 dating to Aug. 18, but that's come with a 4.04 ERA. The right-hander gave up two runs and six hits in six innings of Saturday's 5-2 win over Miami for his latest victory in a 5-0 span over 10 home starts with a 2.29 ERA. In 18 starts at Nationals Park, Zimmermann is 8-3 with a 2.50 ERA as opposed to 5-5 with a 5.02 mark in 13 on the road.

Eickhoff (1-3, 3.16 ERA), meanwhile, has gone 0-3 with a 3.77 ERA since winning his major league debut on Aug. 21, and his last two starts might have been his best. The right-hander gave up five hits in seven scoreless innings of Saturday's 2-1 loss in Atlanta. He's allowed a run with a .163 opponent batting average in 14 innings over his last two starts.

"He gets after it. That's what we're looking for," manager Pete Mackanin told MLB's official website. "He did a great job. He probably could have gone back out. But here's a young guy that hasn't pitched this late in a season, and I didn't want him to (give up) a walk and a bloop, and it ruins a good performance. Get him out on a positive note."

Eickhoff hasn't faced Washington, but Zimmermann has struggled this year against the Phillies, going 0-1 with a 5.84 ERA in two starts.

Cody Asche is 6 for 15 with a homer and a double against him, but Carlos Ruiz is 4 for 22 and Cameron Rupp is 1 for 7.

The Nationals (78-74) are coming off Thursday's 5-4 home loss to Baltimore, the end of a three-game sweep that essentially finalized Washington's postseason exclusion with a seventh loss in its last 10 home games.

"It's not great," said manager Matt Williams, whose club fell 7 1/2 games back of the New York Mets with 10 to play. "It's not where we want to be, but tomorrow is a game and we have to play that game and we have to win that game, so it is what it is. We need to be prepared for tomorrow."

Yunel Escobar has continued to hit regardless, going 3 for 3 with two RBIs to give the third baseman a .421 average in his last 24 games. His average is up to .326 and within 13 points of teammate Bryce Harper for the NL lead.

Harper didn't have a hit in six at-bats in the Baltimore series but walked seven times. His 122 for the season are two away from matching Bobby Abreu's 2006 total for fifth in the 11 seasons since Barry Bonds walked an MLB-record 232 times in 2004.

Washington has won 11 of the last 14 in the series and three straight, and the Phillies are unsurprisingly struggling more than the Nationals.

After Thursday's 1-0 loss in Miami, Philadelphia (57-96) has lost eight of nine and fallen within a game of 40 games under .500 for the first time since being 32-72 in 1997. Another loss would also match its 2000 and 1972 totals for its highest since losing 99 games in 1969.

Over the last eight games, the Phillies are averaging 1.8 runs and batting .171.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (72-81) at Yankees (84-68)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 25, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

A brace for his aching knee is helping CC Sabathia get through the final days of the regular season and ideally a long postseason run for the New York Yankees.

Looking to continue the success he's enjoyed since ending his recent stint on the disabled list, the hefty lefty tries to help the Yankees to a 10th consecutive home victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Dealing with bone-on-bone arthritis in his right knee, the 35-year-old Sabathia (5-9, 4.80 ERA) wasn't sure he would be able to return this season after knee problems landed him on the DL on Aug. 24. However, the brace has helped Sabathia go 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA in three starts since returning to action Sept. 9.

"It made me feel that if he's going to buy into wearing the brace, he's got a chance," manager Joe Girardi told MLB's official website. "And that's exactly what's happened."

Sabathia, who allowed a run and fanned seven in six innings of Sunday's 11-2 win over the Mets, simply doesn't want to hinder a team that's in position to reach the postseason for the first time since 2012.

"That's what drives me more than anything else, not letting the team down," he said. "This feels good. If anybody knows me, it hurts me more to let the team down than myself. First of all, to be healthy, and then for me to go out and help the team get wins, it feels good."

Facing the White Sox for the first time since 2013, Sabathia looks to help the AL wild card-leading Yankees (84-68) win 10 consecutive home contests over Chicago (72-81) for the first time since an 11-game run from 1941-42.

Carlos Beltran's three-run homer off Chris Sale in the third was the difference in Thursday's 3-2 victory. It was New York's first home game since the passing of Hall of Famer Yogi Berra.

"It's been a tough couple of days for us," said Girardi, whose team is three games behind first-place Toronto in the East. "Yogi meant so much to the organization, to the city, to all of us."

Beltran has three home runs and 10 RBIs in the last six games.

"I'm enjoying the moment because I'm getting good results," he said.

Beltran had two doubles in as many at-bats against Carlos Rodon (8-6, 3.78) on July 31 when the rookie left-hander yielded eight runs, eight hits and four walks in three-plus innings of a 13-6 defeat.

Despite that outing, Rodon has been a bright spot during Chicago's dismal season and is 4-2 with a 1.66 ERA in his last seven starts. He gave up one run for a second straight outing Saturday and lasted 7 2-3 innings in a 4-3 victory at Cleveland.

"As he goes deeper into the game and gets in a tough spot, he just seems to find another level to be able to get people out," manager Robin Ventura said.

Chicago has totaled 24 runs during its nine-game skid in the Bronx, and 22 while dropping six of its last nine overall.

Jose Abreu is 2 for 19 with eight strikeouts in the last five games. Leadoff hitter Adam Eaton, however, is batting .404 in the last 12.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (75-78) at Blue Jays (87-65)

Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 25, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

The fate of the AL East race rests in the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays, who control their own destiny as they seek their first division title in 22 years.

The Tampa Bay Rays have a chance to play spoiler.

R.A. Dickey seeks his first victory in five tries against the Rays this season as the Blue Jays begin their final regular-season home series Friday night.

Six of Toronto's final 10 games will be against Tampa Bay as the clubs also finish the regular season against each other Oct. 2-4 in Florida. The Blue Jays (87-65) hold a three-game lead over New York atop the East with no head-to-head meetings remaining after it took two of three from the Yankees with Wednesday's 4-0 win.

Russell Martin hit a three-run homer in the seventh and Josh Donaldson had three hits for the Jays, who are on the verge of winning 88 games for the first time since 1998. They haven't won their division since the last of three straight titles in 1993, when they went on to win a second consecutive World Series.

"The park is sold out, the crowd is electric - it makes those moments stand out even more," Martin said after his 21st homer tied a career high. "If the crowd wasn't as loud, it wouldn't feel the same. Definitely a good feeling for me. I know the boys enjoyed it."

Dickey (10-11, 4.05 ERA) will look to help Toronto inch closer to the division title by beating the Rays (75-78). He's 0-3 with a 4.94 ERA in four starts against them this season but allowed one run in six innings the last time he faced them July 18.

That began a seven-start home stretch for Dickey during which he's 5-0 with 1.85 ERA. The right-hander put together an efficient outing Saturday against Boston, allowing two runs in six-plus innings before the Blue Jays fell 7-6.

Tampa Bay enters this series seeking its first four-game road winning streak since a season-high five-game run in June. Evan Longoria went 3 for 4 with a solo homer - his 20th - in a three-run sixth to lead the Rays to a 4-2 victory over Boston on Thursday.

Longoria is batting .440 during a six-game hitting streak.

"Let's just keep him hitting," manager Kevin Cash said. "We've said it all year long. When he's hitting, that's what shapes our lineup."

Eddie Mathews, Chipper Jones and Scott Rolen are the only other third basemen in history to have reached 20 homers in seven of their first eight seasons.

"It's pretty cool," Longoria said. "It's one of those things where I'll just be able to look back in my career and tell my kids about it, and I just reflect about it when I get a chance to. The names are awesome to be in that group."

Longoria, though, is batting just .143 in seven games at Toronto this season, and he'll look to improve on that as Jake Odorizzi (8-8, 3.38) takes the hill for the Rays.

Odorizzi allowed three runs in 12 innings while winning his previous two starts before giving up four in 5 2-3 innings of Tampa's 7-6 comeback win over Baltimore on Sunday.

The right-hander went 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his first four starts against the Blue Jays - including tossing eight solid innings of a 2-1 win at Toronto on April 13 - before walking a career high-tying five in 4 1-3 innings of a 6-2 defeat July 17.

Donaldson and Justin Smoak homered off Odorizzi in that contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (78-74) at Tigers (71-81)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 25, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Though the Detroit Tigers' run of reaching the postseason with four straight division titles has ended, they can potentially spoil the Minnesota Twins' pursuit of the playoffs.

That starts Friday night when the Tigers try to continue their home success against the Twins.

This is strange territory for Detroit (71-81), which won at least 88 games while ruling the AL Central the past four seasons. However, key injuries and the AL's worst bullpen have put the Tigers at the bottom of the division entering their final home set.

"Not making the playoffs is failing," veteran Victor Martinez said.

While Detroit must live with that self-proclaimed failure, it ultimately could have a say as to whether Minnesota (78-74) reaches the postseason.

Both the Twins and the Los Angeles Angels are 1 1/2 games behind Houston for the final wild-card spot. Minnesota didn't help its cause by going 4-6 on a homestand that concluded with Thursday's 6-3 defeat to Cleveland.

"We won the series (with the Indians), which is good, but we've got to look forward to (Friday) and try to get another win," said Joe Mauer, who set a franchise record by reaching base safely in 43 straight games in the finale.

That home stay began by losing two of three to the Tigers, who fared well in that series and have been even better while outscoring Minnesota 39-9 to take five of the first six meetings at Comerica Park.

After sitting out Wednesday's 7-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox with back soreness, Miguel Cabrera is likely to be in the Tigers' lineup for the opener.

"If we were fighting for a playoff spot, he'd be playing (Wednesday)," said embattled Detroit manager Brad Ausmus, whose club has won six of nine. "But with (the day off Thursday), I'd rather knock it out and have him be ready for the series we have left against teams in contention."

Cabrera leads the AL with a .337 batting average but is hitting .244 against the Twins this season. He did homer twice in a 13-1 rout of Minnesota in the most recent meeting at Detroit on May 14. Cabrera is 1 for 6 this season against Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.16 ERA), who has gone 1-2 with a 4.19 ERA versus Detroit in 2015.

The right-hander has been even worse while going 0-3 with a 7.23 ERA in his last five outings. He's 0-6 with a 6.87 ERA in 12 road starts since winning at Cleveland on May 8.

Teammate Brian Dozier went 5 for 12 with a homer as Minnesota took two of three from Cleveland, but he's 1 for 16 in the last four against Detroit.

Dozier and the Twins will get their first look at Matt Boyd (1-5, 7.40), who has gone 0-3 and recorded two quality starts in seven outings since earning his only major league victory against Kansas City on Aug. 5 in his Tigers debut.

However, the left-hander yielded a pair of solo home runs, one other hit and struck out six in six innings of a 6-5, 11-inning victory over the Royals on Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (62-91) at Marlins (66-87)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 25, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Although they've been unstoppable at Marlins Park, the Atlanta Braves could finally meet their match taking on a pitcher that hasn't lost there in three seasons.

Miami's Jose Fernandez looks to set a MLB record for consecutive home wins to begin a career Friday night when the Marlins tries for their first victory there in the season series.

Fernandez (5-0, 2.18 ERA) has gone a remarkable 16-0 with a 1.11 ERA in 25 career starts at Marlins Park. Now he has an opportunity to surpass Johnny Allen (1932-33) and LaMarr Hoyt (1980-82) as the only pitchers since 1900 to win their first 17 decisions at home.

"I think that means a lot to my teammates," Fernandez told MLB's official website. "They're the ones who hit. They get the runs. I think it's just another number. It's just another win."

The 2013 NL Rookie of the Year is making his third start since missing six weeks because of a biceps strain. Since returning, he's 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA while facing Washington both times.

The right-hander has gone 3-1 with a 1.32 ERA in five career starts against the Braves. Of course he's won both meetings at Marlins Park, yielding one run and seven hits over 15 innings.

Freddie Freeman, who is 3 for 12 with a home run and a double in the matchup, is expected to be in the lineup despite dealing with a sore right wrist. He homered, doubled and had a career high-tying five RBIs in Wednesday's 6-3 road win over the New York Mets after entering as a pinch-hitter.

'The wrist has been bothering me for a couple of weeks now and it's definitely worse,' the two-time All-Star said. 'I just have to muster up and play through it.'

Freeman will try to extend an 11-game hitting streak at Miami (66-87), where Atlanta (62-91) is trying to win seven in a row for the first time in franchise history. The club has hit .294 and averaged 5.3 runs there this season while the pitching staff has posted a 1.17 ERA.

Former Marlin outfielder Cameron Maybin was 5 for 11 in the last three-game sweep in mid-May.

Atlanta's Ryan Weber (0-1, 3.26), who began this season at Double-A, hopes to continue making an impression after lasting at least six innings in each of his first three starts. However, he's still seeking his first victory after getting a total of three runs from the offense.

The 25-year-old right-hander is coming off his best outing after giving up one run and two hits over seven innings Saturday in a 2-1 home win over Philadelphia.

"He does a lot of good stuff," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "And I say let's slow play it because he's a young kid. You don't want to all of the sudden name him Greg Maddux."

He'll face a Miami team seeking its third straight win after J.T. Realmuto's RBI triple in the seventh inning was the difference in Thursday's 1-0 home victory over Philadelphia.

Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria is expected to return after missing 19 games with a hamstring injury. Miguel Rojas will likely slide over to third base with Martin Prado nursing a sore left wrist.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (86-67) at Reds (63-89)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 25, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

With Daniel Murphy heating up and Yoenis Cespedes providing a sorely needed presence in the middle of the order, the New York Mets are showing signs of piecing together an offense capable of competing in October.

The pitching has been there for the most part, though Noah Syndergaard hasn't shown it in recent starts. One thing that's certain is the club's success on the road of late, and the rookie right-hander takes the mound for the second-to-last time before the postseason Friday night in Cincinnati looking to help the Mets earn a ninth straight away win.

The Mets (86-67) won 6-4 on Thursday to open this four-game series with their 10th victory in their last 12 against the Reds (63-89) and reduce their magic number to three.

New York, winner of 16 of 18 on the road with 7.9 runs per game and a .303 average, last won nine straight away games June 7-23, 2006.

Cespedes is batting .389 in his last five after going 0 for 16 in his previous four. David Wright has driven in a run in four straight games from the No. 2 hole and is batting .343 in his last nine, but it's Murphy who's gained his manager's attention by batting .462 with seven extra-base hits in his last seven games.

"He's locked in," Terry Collins said. "When that guy gets hot, nobody can get him out. And it's coming at the best time for us, too."

Syndergaard (8-7, 3.39 ERA) has given up at least three runs in six of his last seven starts, going 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA after surrendering five runs and seven hits in six innings of Saturday's 5-0 home loss to the Yankees. Three of the runs came in the first.

"It was my own fault," Syndergaard told MLB's official website. "I think I threw 98 percent fastballs the first inning. I could have been a little bit more selective with my pitches."

The rookie has been worse on the road for most of the season, going 1-5 with a 4.47 ERA as opposed to 7-2 with a 2.57 mark at home. One of those was a 2-1 victory over Cincinnati on June 26 in which Syndergaard allowed a run and five hits over eight innings.

He's up against Anthony DeSclafani, who had an impressive stretch disrupted in Sunday's 8-4 loss in Milwaukee. DeSclafani (9-11, 3.79) allowed five runs - four earned - and eight hits in 4 1-3 innings after going 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in his previous four.

DeSclafani hasn't faced the Mets this season, but he gave up 10 runs in 4 2-3 innings over two appearances last year with Miami. Murphy (2 for 3) and Kelly Johnson (2 for 5) have both homered off him.

In his two seasons in the majors, the right-hander has been considerably worse in a home environment (5-9, 5.52 ERA) than on the road (6-4, 2.86).

The Reds are on the cusp of losing 90 games for the first time since going 72-90 in 2007. They're 12-27 with a 5.66 starting ERA dating to Aug. 14, and their five-game skid is just over halfway to the nine-game slide that began this 39-game stretch of futility.

"It's still a pretty embarrassing year," Jay Bruce said. "You've just got to make the best of it."

Joey Votto at least continues to impress. The first baseman is batting .375 with a .556 on-base percentage since the All-Star break - both MLB highs. He's reached base in 41 straight games, which ties a career high and is two behind Joe Mauer's active streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (76-76) at Red Sox (72-80)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 25, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Adam Jones has insisted the Baltimore Orioles won't stop trying to hunt down a postseason berth until someone tells them they've been eliminated.

The club has maintained that mindset even without the All-Star center fielder in the lineup.

With Jones and closer Zach Britton still day-to-day, the visiting Orioles look to continue their last-ditch effort to make the playoffs Friday night against the last-place Boston Red Sox.

Jones had 13 RBIs over a nine-game stretch before sitting out the past three with a back injury. He's hoping to return in this series after an MRI on Thursday only showed inflammation.

"Just decided to make sure that structurally everything is OK," manager Buck Showalter told MLB's official website. "He's getting better every day, but not at the rate you would hope."

Junior Lake and Ryan Flaherty went a combined 1 for 8 in his stead as Baltimore boosted its slim postseason hopes with a three-game sweep at Washington. Matt Wieters had the decisive two-run homer in the eighth inning of Thursday's 5-4 win.

Darren O'Day saved all three games in place of Britton, who is dealing with a sore lat muscle. Britton, fourth in the AL with 34 saves, also has no structural damage after undergoing an MRI on Tuesday.

After a 3-15 stretch diminished their playoff chances, the Orioles (76-76) have won 10 of 14 to close within 3 1/2 games of the AL's second wild-card spot. Houston, Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels, however, remain ahead of them with 10 games left.

"We feel good, but it doesn't matter what we've done in the last 15 (games)," Wieters said. "We need to carry it out for the next ... 10 that we have left."

Baltimore has won nine of 11 against the Red Sox. Jones has hit .333 in 13 games against them this season and .410 in his last 14 at Fenway Park.

Boston (72-80) is coming off three straight home losses to Tampa Bay, getting held to two runs in each.

Rich Hill will make his first start at Fenway since May 2013 when he was with Cleveland. The left-hander, back in the majors after spending time in the independent league earlier this season, was on the road as he became the first Boston pitcher to have 10-plus strikeouts in his first two starts of the season.

After allowing one hit in seven scoreless innings at Tampa Bay on Sept. 13, Hill (1-0, 1.93 ERA) held high-scoring Toronto to three runs over seven on Sunday to earn his first victory as a starter since June 19, 2009, when he was with the Orioles.

"It's something that you don't expect for somebody that's resurrected his career as a starter," interim manager Torey Lovullo said. "It's been a tremendous lift."

Baltimore goes with Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.26), who hopes to match his performance Sept. 14 against Boston when he allowed a season-low two hits and struck out seven over six innings in a 2-0 home win. That was his first victory in four career starts against the Red Sox despite a 2.08 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 21 2-3 innings.

The right-hander, however, is 0-5 with a 6.20 ERA in eight road starts.

David Ortiz is 4 for 10 with two home runs against Gausman, and he accounted for Boston's scoring Thursday with a two-run homer. Ortiz's 36 homers are his most in a season since having 54 in 2006, and his 502 lifetime are two shy of Orioles great Eddie Murray for 26th place all-time.

Hanley Ramirez will miss the rest of the season due to shoulder inflammation, and Pablo Sandoval is out because of a bout with pneumonia.